(9/10) It seems that Joe Bonamassa has an endless amount of creativity and energy. It's easy to loose the overview about all his releases in the last years.

The good thing with all those releases is the fact, that it never gets boring. Bonamassa invents always new aspects which he adds to his music and/or he starts a cooperation with other artists. One example from the past is the Black Country Communion. The guitarist from New Hartford, New York was part of a cooperation between Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian. This 'supergroup' released there fantastic records, which have been all slightly different from Bonamassa's solo releases.

Next to the BCC he also established a cooperation with Beth Hart. Hart, a singer-songwriter, is known for her extraordinary voice. It's amazing how much emotions and tenderness she brings into each song. This makes the collaboration with one of the blues guitarist so special.

Lucky enough for all of us the shows at the Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam which took place in June 2013 have been recorded and will be released in these days as DVD/Blu-Ray. Prior to those shows (two shows have been played in Amsterdam) the band had three days for rehearsal before the first shows in Bergen (Norway), Surrey (UK) and Antwerp (Belgium) have been performed. Amsterdam was than the glorious final of this mini tour.

It's stunning how much power this duo creates on stage. Of course it's not only Hart and Bonamassa, it's also the band supporting them. But it Hart's voice and the (blues) guitar from Bonnamassa which makes those (cover-) songs so special. There seems to be a good chemistry between the two main protagonists. Hart is taking the entertaining singer role in an excellent way while Bonamassa becomes one with his guitar. The rocking version of "Them there eyes" from Louis Armstrong is pure fun. "Rhymes" from Al Green is another candy for your ears - and for your eyes. Eventhough the stage in the Carre is set very basic it's the musicians which make the scene alive. Beth Hart explained in one interview that they made the song theirs. This is recognisable in each tune of the show. It's not that you have a group of experienced musicians playing together, they breathe each song. Another beautiful song in the setlist is "Baddest blues" from Beth Hart. The song is starting with the piano and the vocals before some rocking eruptions in the chorus take over. A great version of her own song and actually performed rougher than on the CD. My highlight is the awesome version of Tina Turner "Nutbush City limits". It seems that Hart is going berserk during this song. And I mean this positive. She puts all the enrgy into this tune and makes it a rocker per excellence. She's so much into this song that even her moves remind to the great Tina Turner. She couldn't do it better. The final song is "I'd rather go blind" from Etta James - "a song all about love" like Beth says in the announcement for the song. It's an outstanding blues ballad which is a dignified final chord of a fantastic show.

The second DVD is about the reheasals and the first show in Bergen (of course it was raining there) and the 'making of' the Amsterdam show. Since all musicians have also interview sequences you get a pretty good view behind the scenes.

"Live in Amsterdam" is a great live document of a two hours concert which is worth every minute. Everybody who is interested and excited about rock, blues and soul should watch this DVD/Blu-Ray. It's definitely worth it.

(9/10)

Tracklist:

Amsterdam, Amsterdam!
Them There Eyes
Sinner’s Prayer
Can’t Let Go
For My Friends
Close To My Fire
Rhymes
Something’s Got A Hold On Me
Your Heart Is As Black As Night
Chocolate Jesus
Baddest Blues
Someday After Awhile (You’ll Be Sorry)
Beth introduces the band
Well, well
If I Tell You I Love You
See Saw
Strange Fruit
Miss Lady
I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know
Nutbush City Limits
I’d Rather Go Blind
Antwerp Jam (Credits)

Label: Mascot Records

Genre: Rock

DVD review BETH HART & JOE BONAMASSA "Live in Amsterdam"

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